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5 early warning signs that your mental health is affecting your business
Article written in partnership with Mental Health UK
Read time: 4 mins Added 15/11/2022
With four out of five small business owners experiencing common symptoms of poor mental health, there is a chance that you (or your colleagues) might experience the same. Here are five possible warning signs to look out for that might mean poor mental health is affecting your business:
1. Difficulty making decisions
Burnout is physical or emotional exhaustion that happens as the result of long-term stress or working in a physically or emotionally draining role. It’s important to identify burnout early as it will worsen unless the underlying issues are addressed. Signs at work can include poor decision-making and losing the ability and energy to effectively meet the demands of the job.
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Self-doubt
- Procrastination
- Feeling tired or drained most of the time
- Feeling helpless, trapped and/or defeated
- Feeling detached or alone in the world.
Although burnout can affect everyone, women and younger people in particular report feeling more prone to extreme stress and pressure at work. Recent research suggests that 86% of female business owners, and 77% of male business owners experience common symptoms of poor mental health at least a few times a year.
2. Feeling as though you are unable to cope with your work
Colleagues might notice that you are less able to cope with work pressure than usual. This could be because you’re experiencing physical symptoms of stress (muscle aches, dizziness, chest pain, nausea and headaches) and/or emotional symptoms of stress (feeling irritable, overwhelmed, angry, restless and scared).
Stress is a heightened sense of pressure that can affect anyone at any time, and is particularly prevalent during major life changes, periods of intense pressure and uncertainty.
A change in behaviour could be a warning sign that your stress levels are becoming unmanageable. You may start avoiding people or situations, or you might notice changes in your eating habits or an increased reliance on alcohol. Racing thoughts, memory lapses and indecisiveness are other common symptoms of stress.
3. Loss of interest in activities and your role
While many of us might go through phases of feeling sad or low, depression is a more long-lasting mental health condition.
A key sign of depression you may notice in the workplace is loss of interest in activities or aspects of your job. This shift in feelings can have a serious effect on your business, particularly if you’re in a leadership role.
- Loss of concentration
- Low mood, feeling irritable or angry
- Feeling bad about yourself, guilty or worthless
- Low energy, feeling less able to do things
- Physical aches and pains with no obvious cause
- Feeling tired all the time
- Change in appetite
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Although it is a common belief that depression may go away by itself, seeking help for depression is recommended as having guidance and support can help us recover, and in some cases, prevent symptoms worsening.
4. Feelings of dread and overthinking
If you’re experiencing feelings of dread about the future, uncontrollable overthinking and wanting to escape, you may be suffering from anxiety. It is important to note however that symptoms of anxiety can vary significantly from person to person.
Anxiety can make sufferers feel extremely on edge and it can be a very distressing condition. For those in strategic roles, this can be particularly debilitating due to the responsibility they hold.
Anxiety can cause both mental and physical debilitations, see Mental Health UK’s ‘Symptoms of Anxiety’ for more guidance.
5. Unusual spending patterns or habits
Keep an eye out for unusual thinking patterns or behaviour around finances (such as erratic spending or an unwillingness to invest in low-risk options) and consider what might be at play beyond typical business activity.
Money and mental health can affect each other in various ways. Poor mental health can cause you to make unwise financial decisions, while money worries can weigh heavy on your mind and affect your mood.
According to recent research conducted by Mental Health UK in 2021, around a third of business owners said they didn’t know where to go for help with mental health or were unaware support existed. Talking to someone is the next best step, but if this feels too overwhelming visit our hub or head to Mental Health UK, where you can read up on mental health in the workplace. You’ll also find ideas and resources that can help you to make simple changes to the way you work.
*research conducted by Mental Health UK in 2021.
In partnership with Mental Health UK
Many business owners and leaders feel they need help with their mental health but don’t know where to start.
Developed in partnership with Mental Health UK, the content in this hub is designed to provide tips and guidance for improving mental health and building resilience to help set you and your business up for success.